ABA names PARDON ME Documentary 2024 finalist for Silver Gavel Awards for Media and the Arts

The American Bar Association announced the PARDON ME Documentary as one of the 29 finalists for the 2024 Silver Gavel Awards for Media and the Arts, which recognize outstanding work that fosters the American public’s understanding of law and the legal system. This is the ABA’s highest honor in recognition of this purpose. The winners will be announced on May 22. 

“This is so amazing,” commented filmmaker Shuja Moore. Thank you to the ABA, what an honor. I'm still reeling from it all.”

Additionally, Shuja is amassing accolades for his work in Pennsylvania and across the country. He received the IndieFEST Award of Excellence, is a Finalist at the NEPA Film Festival, and a winner of the 2024 Greater Philadelphia Social Innovation Award. His work is also being screened at the Justice on Trial Film Festival next month in Los Angeles where he had to file an appeal in order to attend.

The Pardon Project of York County (PPYC), in collaboration with its community partners held a special screening of the documentary film PARDON ME on October 4, 2023, at the Capitol Theatre with a panel discussion moderated by York County District Attorney David Sunday featuring panelists Shuja Moore, filmmaker, The Honorable William R. Carpenter, Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, pardon recipients David Bryant, Laurie Besden, Esq., C. Reginald “Reggie” Johnson, Esq and pardon fellow DaShawn Harrison.

Directed and produced by Shuja Moore, the documentary PARDON ME sheds light on the transformative power of pardons, not only providing individuals with the chance to lead fulfilling lives but also positively impacting lower-income communities. The film narrates the compelling stories of two individuals navigating the pardon process in Pennsylvania, with one of them having already received a pardon. It also includes insightful interviews with thought leaders such as Jeff Hornstein, head of The Economy League, and Brandon Flood, former Secretary of the PA Board of Pardons.

The screening was made possible through the support and collaboration of our sponsors including the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, the York County Bar Foundation, The Powder Mill Foundation, Impact Academy, Fresh Start Law, the Office of the District Attorney of York County and York County Community Foundation; and community partners: The Pardon Project of York County, the York County Bar Association and Bar Foundation, The Program, “It’s About Change”,  the York County Clerk of Courts, the York County Economic Alliance, and the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity.

The Pardon Project of York County was established in 2022 through the guidance of the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity, uniting various government, nonprofit, and community stakeholders committed to providing enhanced access and information about pardons to York County residents. A pardon is a powerful tool for people who deserve a second chance. PPYC County was created to help individuals with a criminal record in our community move forward with their lives. To learn more about PPYC, applying for a pardon, or to volunteer as a Pardon Coach, visit theprogramitsaboutchange.org/pardons.

Shuja Moore, "remodeled citizen" and the filmmaker behind PARDON ME, is most known for his web series Walkies—a docuseries that highlights the transformation stories of formerly incarcerated individuals. Through filmmaking and his nonprofit organization Do Moore Good, Shuja aims to promote the narrative of justice in media and inspire community rebuilding. As a result of the screening, the York County Bar Foundation provided a grant of $7,000 to Do Moore Good to support this initiative.

The ABA Gavel Awards Screening Committee of 50 professionals with wide ranges of legal and media expertise, including lawyer-members of the ABA, selected the 29 finalists from 176 entries received in all eligible categories, which include books, commentaries, documentaries, drama and literature, magazines, multimedia, newspapers, radio, and television.

Selection criteria include how the entry addresses the Silver Gavel Awards’ purpose and objectives; educational value of legal information; impact on, or outreach to, the public; thoroughness and accuracy in presentation of issues; creativity and originality in approach to subject matter and effectiveness of presentation; and demonstrated technical skill in the entry’s production.

The ABA has presented these awards each year since 1958. The 16-member ABA Standing Committee on Gavel Awards makes the final award decisions. ABA President Mary Smith will present Silver Gavels and Honorable Mentions on August 3 at 3 p.m. at the ABA Annual Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

To learn more about the Silver Gavel Awards, go to Silver Gavel (americanbar.org).